Kindergarten Rice Harvest Day in Ogawamachi, Japan – 日本、小川町での保育園の稲刈りの日

Posted on October 3, 2017

Rice in Japan is a symbol for many things. Food, life, nature, community, hard work, laughing and crying together, sunshine and rain. It is also a symbol of growing up. From childhood on, at least on Japan’s country side, kids learn the meaning of rice very quickly.

日本では米はあらゆることの象徴になっています。食料、生活、自然、地域、重労働、共に泣いたり笑ったり、太陽と雨など。米は成長の象徴でもあります。幼少期から、少なくとも日本の田舎では子供は米（ごはん）という意味をすぐに覚えます。

Here are some of photos of last week’s Ogawamachi kindergarten rice harvesting event. Explanations are not necessary since the photos talk for themselves. As for me, still a kid at heart, it was a welcome learning experience. There were so many new impressions and things to see that it was hard to put the camera down and finally get on with the harvest. Its just that I will treasure this amazing experience forever, working with tough and no-BS type people, harvesting valuable rice side-by-side together with my daughter. It really meant a lot to me.

Thank you for this day.

こちらは先週の小川町保育園の稲刈りのイベントの写真です。写真それ自体が物語っているので、説明は必要ないでしょう。私はと言えば、まだ心が子供なので、歓迎すべき勉強になる経験でした。とても多くの新しい印象や見るべきものがあって、カメラを置くのがためらわれ、結局稲刈りを続けるのが難しくなってしまいました。タフで誤魔化しなど一切ない人々と共に、娘と並んで稲刈りをしたこの素晴らしい経験をずっと大事な思い出としてとっておくことでしょう。私にとってはとてもためになる経験でした。

この日を過ごすことが出来て、感謝しています。

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小川町埼玉 Nobody is taking a break harvesting rice, investigating insects, or, just talking to folks. ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 The reward of a lot of hard work starting in spring now in the hands of children. Learning how to harvest rice planted in springtime. ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Hanging up rice plants to dry ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 This is how it gets done. ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Small hands harvesting rice. ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Lots more rice to be harvested ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Working together getting it done. Drying rice plants. ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Transporting valuable rice plants to a collection spot towards drying. ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Butterfly close to rice fields. A welcome and interesting distraction. ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Full concentration while hanging up rice plants on drying posts. ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Rice. What many people count on every day. This rice is grown organically without pesticides, planted by hand. ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Tying harvested rice plants together before drying ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 There is a specific way of completing anything when farming rice. ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Final speech by the pros. Learning about rice planting and harvesting was an amazing experience, ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Working in the rice fields. A kindergarten community event which was significant and important. ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Rice soon ready for everyone. ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Flowers around rice fields. ©Hans Nagl

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Category: Agriculture, Art, flowers, Food, Garden, Hiking, Insects, Japan, Japanese Art, Landscape, Nature, Nikon, Ogawamachi, organic, Photography, Saitama, tourism, trip, 埼玉県警, 小川町, 日本 Tagged: #Abenteuer, #adventure, #シルク, #Beautiful, #Berg, #colorful, #Deutsch, #Dream, #English, #芸者, #養蚕, #Führung, #Foto, #Frieden, #Geschichte, #Grün, #green, #guide, #HansNagl, #history, #Interesting, #Japan, #joy, #Landscape, #landscapes, #Landschaft, #mountain, #Natur, #naturephotography, #organic, #Reise, #romantic, #Seide, #Silent, #Sonne, #Sun, #tour, #Traum, #travel, #Urlaub, #Wandern, #小京都, #平和, #日本語, #武蔵の小京都, Agriculture, community, 田んぼ, 米, education, ernte, feld, field, Gemeinschaft, Hans, harvest, ＃アート, ＃カラー, ＃ドリーム, ＃ハイキング, ＃マウント, ＃緑, ＃自然, ＃観光, ＃写真, ＃喜び, ＃小川町埼玉, ＃山, kindergarten, Nagl, Ogawamachi, peace, photo, Reis, rice, Saitama, silk, tourism, trip, vacation, 埼玉, 小川町, 日本, 保育園

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Sleeping history in a small Japanese town

Posted on September 20, 2017

日本語

Not too long ago our family arrived in the town of Ogawamachi, Saitama (map here) located about 75 minutes away from Tokyo/Ikebukuro at the end of the Tobu Tojo line. (about 80 kilometers by car from central Tokyo). Nestled within some smaller mountain ranges it contains a number of sometimes overlooked treasures. With this I don’t mean the already world famous organic rice fields, vegetable gardens, or, unbelievable amount of wildlife. I am also not thinking about the Ogawamachi produced paper, called washi in Japanese, known for its toughness and beauty.

What I would like to describe is the large number of ancient, and, historic buildings occasionally dating back to a time around the Meiji Restoration in the late 1860s. Some of them are well preserved. Looking at them you can almost feel how lively this town once must have been. It was not only a center of silk production. Ogawamachi also has a charming past, somewhat shy, however very happy and full of celebrations. It was a town known for its traditions around geisha culture.

Now, this wonderful time is long gone. However, allowing for a little daydreaming and imagination, maybe the sound of a koto mixed with the clanking of sake cups and clack-clacks of wooden geta sandals can still be heard. Shadows of kimono rushing by ready for an appointment, and, if lucky enough, maybe there is even a secret, embarrassed smile of a beautiful artist geisha. A dream of a time long gone. A dream still touchable, its soul alive, however, slowly disappearing into libraries and books in form of letters and pictures.

From a photography perspective capturing an architectural historic situation sometimes takes looking at building several times. I might have walk passed interesting houses several times not realizing an interesting feature on a roof, or, something hidden in the shade of an entrance. Maybe a falling apart building with rotten walls stands out so much that some hidden treasures behind it are ignored.

Below is a collection of photos of buildings and structures in and around Ogawamachi in Saitama. They portrait their real status in terms of preservation. It does not help pointing out only their beauty if, on the other hand, nobody really hears these buildings silently weep waiting for help while gradually bowing out from this World saying: “Sayonara…”

小川町埼玉 Kura in Ogawamachi Saitama. ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Entrance to an old house, ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 At this place once was a small stream running through Ogawamachi. No covered and under the street this shrine actually stood close this bridge. ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Many old houses are covered with new facades. ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Scene in old town Ogawamachi, ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Renovated antique house, ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Early fall colors in Ogawamachi, ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Very interesting scenery of historic houses beautifully maintained. ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Some people are very creative with the use of their garages. ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Looking out of a window in the washi museum and factory close to the center of Ogawamachi. ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Protecting whatever is left to be protected via sheet metal.©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 One of my favorite views , ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Badly damaged Yorozuya Okiya, without doubt a significant cultural asset of Ogawamachi privately owned. Once a very happy place now in literally an architectural coma. ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉　Will there be hope for many of the beautiful, historic, almost forgotten buildings? Flower in Ogawamachi, Saitama, Japan ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉　Kominka roof architecture in Ogawamachi, Saitama, Japan ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Shoji Screen in a historic farmhouse. Despite its condition it still looks beautiful and interesting. ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Shoji Screen in a historic building. Unfortunately the building is structurally in very poor shape. ©Hans Nagl

E小川町埼玉 ntrance to Yorozuya Okiya, ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Telephone booth with the Ogawamachi phone number of 2. ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 The front entrance of the Yorozuya Okiya, structurally in extremely poor shape, however, recoverable with serious effort and investment in money and time. ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉　Flower in Ogawamachi, Saitama, Japan ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Renovated historic buildings. ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Wonderful old building in Ogawamachi. ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Higanbana in Ogawamachi

小川町埼玉 Not all historic houses are made out of wood. ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Ogawamachi building. ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Street scene in Ogawamachi, Saitama, ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Abandoned gardens, hidden treasures. ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Beautiful gardens in Ogawamachi. ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉　Persimmons in Ogawamachi, Saitama, Japan ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Flowers watching quietly as a city dreams on. ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Renovated, well maintained Ogawamachi buildings. A joy to see. ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Maintaining a see of flowers in front of amazing and beautiful building jumble. ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Ogawamachi roads. Feeling the history and the soul of a small city against a backdrop of modern housing. ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Looking into a driveway with older buildings, well maintained and fully functional. ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉　Flower in Ogawamachi, Saitama, Japan ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 Field of Higanbana in Ogawamachi, ©Hans Nagl

The good news, however, is that some buildings are in great shape and well taken care off. They should function as an example to others what could be done.

For this type of photography, besides a camera which is capable of low light photography without two much noise my standard lenses are a wide angle lens around 15-20 mm and a mid-range tele lens around 70 – 200 mm. The wide angle lens is necessary for tight buildings, or, narrow streets to still capture an object very near to the camera together with its surrounding. The tele lens is used for objects relatively distant from the camera and unreachable. A monopod is usually helpful. I’d rather use a strong hand held light than a flash to illuminate objects. A flash is used to brighten up shadows.

Thank you for visiting my page. Please feel free to comment, or, send me an email if you should have any questions. I might update this blog over time, hopefully documenting visible changes to the appearance of this beautiful town.

Comments or questions are very much appreciated. Please click below.

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Category: Architecture, Art, Building, Cities, flowers, Garden, Hiking, Japan, Japanese Art, kominka, Landscape, Nature, Nikon, Ogawamachi, Photography, Saitama, tourism, trip, 古民家, 埼玉県警, 小川町, 建築, 日本 Tagged: #Abenteuer, #adventure, #シルク, #Beautiful, #Berg, #colorful, #Deutsch, #Dream, #English, #芸者, #養蚕, #Führung, #Foto, #Frieden, #Geschichte, #Grün, #green, #guide, #Hans, #HansNagl, #history, #Interesting, #Japan, #joy, #Landscape, #landscapes, #Landschaft, #mountain, #Nagl, #Natur, #naturephotography, #Peace, #Reise, #romantic, #Seide, #Silent, #Sonne, #Sun, #tour, #Traum, #travel, #Urlaub, #Wandern, #小京都, #平和, #日本語, #武蔵の小京都, Architecture, Architektur, City, geisha, ＃アート, ＃カラー, ＃ドリーム, ＃ハイキング, ＃マウント, ＃ロマンチック, ＃緑, ＃自然, ＃観光, ＃写真, ＃喜び, ＃小川町埼玉, ＃山, ＃建物, ＃建築, ＃旅行, ＃春, ＃歴史, Ogawamachi, photo, Saitama, silk, tourism, trip, vacation, 埼玉, 小川町, 日本

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蝴蝶、電車、桜　ー　Butterflies, Trains and Cherry Blossoms –

Posted on April 10, 2017

小川町埼玉　ー八高線 Watching Train of JR Hachiko-line make it through Ogawamachi, Saitama, Japan – It goes from Hachioji to Kuragano over a distance of 93 Kilometers. ©Hans Nagl

Here are some of photos of a cherry blossom viewing filled weekend. It included, sake tasting, and plenty of photo opportunities around Ogawamachi’s surrounding nature. The town is located in Saitama, little more than aone hour away from Tokyo’s Ikebukuro via Tobu Tojo Line.

Please feel free to send me your comments at the end of this blog. I am always happy about feedback.

Thank you very much,

Hans

小川町埼玉- 槻川 – 蝴蝶 – Small Butterfly, about the size of a finger nail is making its way through flowers along the Tsuki River in Ogawamachi, Saitama ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 – 槻川 – 蝴蝶 – These two small fingernail size butterflies are dancing in the sunlight between flowers along the Tsuki River in Ogawamachi, Saitama ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 – 槻川 – 蝴蝶 – Small butterfly enjoying a nice, warm spring day along the Tsuki River in Ogawamachi, Saitama ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 – 槻川 – きじ　ー　 Pheasant spotted along the Tsuki River running through Ogawamachi, Saitama ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 – 槻川 – Beautiful Tsuki River running through Ogawamachi, Saitama offers many scenes like this one. The water is very clear home to many species of water animals – ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 – 仙元山ハイキング – everything is blooming this spring along a hiking path towards Mount Sengen in Ogawamachi, Saitama　©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 – 槻川 – 桜　- Cherry Blossoms along the Tsuki River in Ogawamachi, Saitama ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉　ー八高線 Watching Train of JR Hachiko-line make it through Ogawamachi, Saitama, Japan – ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 – 仙元山ハイキング – Mountain view seen from Mount Sengen in Ogawamachi, Saitama towards Chichibu. The weather could not decide if it should be sunny or rainy. ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 – 仙元山ハイキング　- Observation Tower on Mount Sengen offers beautiful views ofOgawamachi, Saitama. This time it was better to make its way back the mountain because weather was unpredictable. ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 – 仙元山ハイキング　- Wonderful patchwork of pinks, greens and whites with Ogawamachi, Saitama in the background. ©Hans Nagl

小川町埼玉 – 酒 – Sake tasting event in Ogawamachi Saitama. This sake is based on locally grown, organic ingredients. Sake master is watching his customers’ reactions to this year’s sake. The one I tasted was crisp, clear and perfect. ©Hans Nagl

Category: Art, まつり, Birds, Festival, flowers, Food, Forest, Garden, Hiking, Insects, Japan, Japanese Art, Landscape, Nature, Nikon, Ogawamachi, Photography, Saitama, Trains, Uncategorized, 埼玉県警, 小川町, 日本 Tagged: #activity, #きじ, #アート, #ハイキング, #bamboo, #Beautiful, #beer, #Bird, #Blossom, #butterfly, #Camera, #Cherry, #children, #colorful, #daytrip, #explore, #自然, #花, #電車, #蝴蝶, #flower, #Food, #green, #hajiko, #Hans, #HansNagl, #health, #history, #Interesting, #Japan, #Landscape, #landscapes, #macrobiotic, #mountain, #Nagl, #Nature, #naturephotography, #New, #Nikon, #organic, #outing, #path, #Peace, #pheasant, #Photography, #Photos, #recover, #relaxation, #river, #sake, #shrine, #Silent, #Spring, #Sun, #temple, #tobutojo, #Train, #watching, #wine, #山, #春, #温泉 #onsen #biking, #仙元山, Forest, Hiking, ＃埼玉, ＃桜, Ogawamachi, photo, Saitama, 小川町, 日本

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Strasburg Railroad – Coal, Steam and Timeless Engines

Posted on January 2, 2015

Thank you very much for visiting my blog.

Writing, and, mostly showing photos about Lancaster County’s Strasburg Railroad, was always on my mind. Many times I had the opportunity to ride these beautifully restored and maintained steam locomotives. Fascinated by the mighty metal parts moving gigantic wheels, the smoke and steam, the sound of the whistle and the surrounding history I always took a number of photos. These remind me about the days when friends, family and I embarked on a one hour or so train ride at pretty much any season.

It is exciting when one hears the whistle of the approaching train. After this, train not visible yet, black smoke can be seen above the train mechanic shop and a little while later there she finally appears. I am sure that there will be many more photos, mostly thanks to the well organized team of engineers maintaining this railroad.

Please enjoy these photos about the Strasburg Railroad and its surrounding area in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

The last train of the day. Here comes Santa – Photos throughout the year from Strasburg railroad and surrounding area in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania – USA

The last Santa train of the day. – Photos throughout the year from Strasburg railroad and surrounding area in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania – USA

Riding the Santa Train – a great and unforgettable experience. –
Photos throughout the year from Strasburg railroad and surrounding area in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania – USA

Photos throughout the year from Strasburg railroad and surrounding area in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania – USA

Taking a break after a long, busy winter day – Photos throughout the year from Strasburg railroad and surrounding area in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania – USA

Photos throughout the year from Strasburg railroad in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania – USA

Moving the SL into its garage after ice and rain in mid-December 2014. Photos throughout the year from Strasburg railroad in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania – USA

Photos throughout the year from Strasburg railroad and surrounding area in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania – USA

Not easy to maneuver the amish way through the very busy streets around Lancaster and its many shopping areas. – Photos throughout the year from Strasburg railroad and surrounding area in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania – USA

I would appreciate any comments. Thank you very much.

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Category: Pennsylvania, Photography, Trains, Uncategorized Tagged: #amish, #Beautiful, #buggy, #fun, #Hans, #HansNagl, #horse, #Interesting, #locomotive, #Nagl, #New, #Nikon, #Peace, #Photography, #Photos, #rail, #railroad, #steam, #strasburg, #Train

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From my father’s viewpoint

Posted on October 23, 2014

Thank you for visiting my blog:

For a long time, I wanted to share three photos that my father, Hans Nagl Sr., took as a photographer during a business trip from Vienna, Austria, to the United States. This was his first trip to this country, despite having worked for many years for USIS as a professional photographer. Many of his photos represent a viewpoint of excitement when seeing a country for the first time. At this time, my father took most of his photos with his Leica M2. This was his go-to camera for various purposes, especially for many black-and-white images. The three photos I am posting here have been stuck in my mind for a long time, ever since I first saw them as a child in Austria. They feature the famous Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in Manhattan, probably shortly after their completion in 1973. Back home again, I believe my father must have viewed them so many times and showed them to any visitor of our home whenever possible. Escape was impossible. It was clear that he was more than impressed, and so these towers became a summary representation of his excitement and pride around his profession and the people he worked with.

While on a business trip in the 70s my father visited the Empire State Building in New York City and waited for the sunset. – Leika M2 – Photo reproduced from a slide not viewed in almost 40 years.
©Hans Nagl – Credits: Hans Nagl, Sr.

Captured by this amazing late night view taken from the Empire State Building in New York. - ©Hans Nagl - All Rights Reserved

The photos were stored and forgotten for a long time in a place that was not very conducive to their survival. Somehow, the slides survived, and with some minor fixes, such as the removal of dust marks, they came back to light. After 9/11, they shine even brighter in my mind, and it seems that I have lost sight of all their imperfections.

While on a business trip in the 70s, my father visited the Empire State Building in New York City and waited for the sunset. He was so impressed by what he saw – Leika M2 – Photo reproduced from a slide not viewed in almost 40 years.
©Hans Nagl – Credits: Hans Nagl, Sr.

A place without equals, inspiring, silent from a distance, never standing still - Manhattan, New York - ©Hans Nagl - All Rights Reserved

While on a business trip in the 70s, my father visited New York City as part of a business trip related to photography. – Leika M2 – Photo reproduced from a slide not viewed in almost 40 years.
©Hans Nagl – Credits: Hans Nagl, Sr.

I also always thought that it must be really exciting to show my photos of Manhattan together with my father’s. One thing, however, is clear. The skill it took to operate a 35 mm camera was tremendous, and I deeply admire anyone with this knowledge. By this I do not mean that these photographers had the ability to very quickly turn some knobs to achieve great photos. These people could read the light without tools in a fraction of a heartbeat and make almost intuitive adjustments. No thinking, just complete focus on the subject matter. Many times, without a second chance to retake a photo, the results were very astonishing. This generation of photographers literally lived around and inside their cameras. I am a long way from this.

Photo taken from the Empire State Building, Manhattan, New York, with Times Square on the left.

This sax player was a very welcome surprise adding to the capturing view of Manhattan's city lights. ©Hans Nagl - All Rights Reserved

This photo was taken in spring 2014 looking towards Times Square. Colors everywhere, even when black- ©Hans Nagl

There is always movement on the streets of New York, restless people with or without purpose, still moving, even reflections will never become clear, however, are colorful if one pays attention.

Hanging out at the sandwich deli in Manhattan - place for latest news, speculations and amazing stories - ©Hans Nagl - All Rights Reserved

While travelling with a camera in New York there are many interesting situations worth a photo. ©Hans Nagl - All Rights Reserved

If you should have any comments then please add them here. Thank you very much.

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Autumn, Seagulls, Sand and Stars

Posted on October 4, 2014

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Summer came and went so quickly. Now, and I still really can’t believe it, fall arrived. To adequately welcome this season with all its colors and changes in weather, I decided to take my camera and spend an afternoon in Onset, Massachusetts, near Cape Cod. The place I usually visit is the perfect spot to forget the day, enjoying the events the shore has to offer. This could be rain, fog, wind, or the mellow, warm glow of the setting autumn sun. Seagulls and other shorebirds seemed to be having a good time watching a guy with a tripod and a camera, mesmerized by the early autumn spectacle performed by the many shorebirds. Not with words, however, with this entire scenery, the owner of this season clearly made a statement. Fall is surely here.

As usual, without too many words, here are some of my photos. Hopefully, you will enjoy these.

Where did these birds learn how to fly? It was funny to watch these seagulls realizing that even they are not perfect. Nobody got hurt and everybody kept on flying. - Onset Massachusetts - ©HansNagl.com

Where did these birds learn how to fly? Nobody got hurt, and everybody kept on flying. – Onset, Massachusetts – ©HansNagl.com

Seagulls moving together and very quickly - Onset Massachusetts - ©HansNagl.com

Seagulls decorating the sky, moving together and very quickly – Onset, Massachusetts – ©HansNagl.com

Staying together, flying high – Onset, Massachusetts – ©HansNagl.com

The first couple of colder days still made this afternoon near Onset in Massachusetts a rewarding visit. Onset Massachusetts - ©HansNagl.com

The first couple of cold days still made this afternoon’s visit near Onset in Massachusetts a rewarding experience. Onset, Massachusetts – ©HansNagl.com

Beach Flowers – Onset, Massachusetts – ©HansNagl.com

Just beyond the Horizon, this light tower and houses can be seen. – Onset, Massachusetts – ©HansNagl.com

This was a fortunate photo of this Long-billed Curlew preparing for landing – Onset, Massachusetts – ©HansNagl.com

Watching all kinds of birds enjoy this fall days - Onset Massachusetts - ©HansNagl.com

Watching all kinds of birds enjoy these fall days – Onset, Massachusetts – ©HansNagl.com

The first couple of cold days still made this afternoon’s visit near Onset in Massachusetts a rewarding experience. Onset, Massachusetts – ©HansNagl.com

Dreaming while watching these seagulls playing in the sky. It - Onset Massachusetts - ©HansNagl.com

I dream while watching these seagulls playing in the sky. It – Onset Massachusetts – ©HansNagl.com

Long-billed Curlew – Onset, Massachusetts – ©HansNagl.com

The first couple of cold days still made this afternoon’s visit near Onset in Massachusetts a rewarding experience. Onset, Massachusetts – ©HansNagl.com

Wondering if this could be Jonathan Livingston Seagull – Onset Massachusetts – ©HansNagl.com

Silently flying together, listening to the wind and the sea – Onset, Massachusetts – ©HansNagl.com

Wind, Sand and Stars. A reminder what one of my favorite authors Antoine de Saint Exupery enjoyed and frequently wrote about. The Little Prince also does not seem to be too far away. Evenings are becoming cooler. ©HansNagl.com

Wind, Sand and Stars. A reminder of what one of my favorite authors, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, enjoyed and frequently wrote about. The Little Prince also does not seem to be too far away. Evenings are becoming cooler. ©HansNagl.com

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Category: Art, Birds, Cape Cod, Fall, flowers, Landscape, Massachusetts, Nature, Nikon, Ocean, Photography, Uncategorized, United States Tagged: #Beach, #Beautiful, #Bird, #colorful, #Curlew, #Fall, #Hans, #HansNagl, #Interesting, #Massachusetts, #Nagl, #Nature, #New, #Nikon, #Ocean, #Onset, #Peace, #Photography, #Photos, #Sea, #Seagull, #Silent

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Faces of our Garden

Posted on July 16, 2014

When I finally acquired a decent macro lens I did not expect that this would actually provide a gateway to a completely different world. In the past, insects and other animals living in our garden were just there, not exactly worthy of a closer look, so I thought. Mostly, they all look the same anyway from an overall perspective.

This Calico Pennant Dragonfly is trying hypnotize anything in reach .

This Calico Pennant Dragonfly is trying to hypnotize anything in reach.

How surprised was I when I looked at some insects really closely? They were literally dressed in colors that made them unbelievably beautiful. Greens, reds, and blues, not visible without magnification, changed my entire perception of this world. A world of tiny creatures living alongside our daily routines. Suddenly, our garden came alive because of my heightened awareness of all the things happening in it. Flies, snakes, cats, and even we humans share this space, going about our business. Every one of these inhabitants is beautiful and plays a role. I also noticed that certain insects always sit on the same branch. “Good morning, Robber Fly!”, “Hello, Frog!” There is a party going on in our Garden. And it’s actually a lot of fun, now that I’m aware of it.

Here are the faces of the folks living in our garden. I will add more over time. This, at least, is a beginning.

Murli The Cat found something interesting

Schnurli is watching and imaginary mouse

This Eastern Amberwing looks more like a small fairy

Snail is barely making it over the barrier

Clover Mites are always in motion

This bug is very slow

Ant surrounded by Clover Mites

Gipsy moth is not such a welcome creature

Hanging on

This Dragonfly is in need of some wing maintenance

This must be the overlook point

Basking in the sun

Time for a break

This Common Baskettail is a friendly member of our garden

Robber Fly waiting for food to fly by

Hummingbird discovers easy nectar

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Category: Art, Garden, Insects, Macro, Massachusetts, Nature, Nikon, Pests, Photography, Uncategorized, United States Tagged: #animal, #Beautiful, #Blossom, #Boston, #cat, #dragonfly, #Franklin, #garden, #Hans, #HansNagl, #hummingbird, #Interesting, #Massachusetts, #Nagl, #New, #Nikon, #Peace, #Photography, #Photos, #snail, #unitedstates, #Wildlife

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Garden Intruders – Gipsy Moth Larvae closely observed

Posted on June 22, 2014

As usual, camera in reach, I discovered two Gipsy Moth Larvae while doing some gardening work. Even though very beautiful, these creatures cause extensive damage in United States Forests. Originally from Europe, they can destroy entire forests by eating their leaves. Gipsy Moth Larvae can appear in massive quantities. Fortunately, there are a few ways available to eradicate them. Read more about it here:

If you encounter any creature like this, please record it and report it to local authorities.

Gipsy Moth is one of the most destructive forest pests in the United States destroying large amounts of forests.

Garden Rose impacted by Gipsy Moths, visible on right bottom

Gipsy Moth is one of the most destructive forest pests in the United States destroying large amounts of forests.

Dragon Fly on our fence – A good garden friend

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Category: Art, flowers, Garden, Insects, Landscape, Massachusetts, Nature, Nikon, Pests, Photography, Uncategorized Tagged: #Beautiful, #Boston, #dangerous, #destroy, #flower, #garden, #gipsy, #gipsymoth, #Hans, #HansNagl, #Insect, #Interesting, #larva, #Massachusetts, #moth, #Nagl, #New, #Nikon, #pest, #Photography, #Photos, #Plant, #Summer

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Photographing Red Clover Mites

Posted on June 21, 2014

A couple of days ago I had the opportunity to watch red clover mites, less than a millimeter large spider like creatures. They appeared as tiny red dots restlessly moving on top of a concrete wall close to our vegetable garden. Needless to say they immediately became targets for a photo session.

Every time I look at the results of recently taken macro type photos on a larger screen it feels like being transported into a different world. Creatures very small and many times not noticeable become giants on a computer screen, a window into a world far removed from our usual areas of attention. As much as it is exciting to see large animals in their natural habitats it is very interesting, at least to me, to visit this tiny world occasionally and watch these amazing creatures for a while. Thank you for visiting my blog.

Comparing the size of an ant to the tiny clover mites

Clover Mites in action.

Beetle found a new friend to follow…it seems. Following a clover mite.

This beetle is looking concerned about the outcome of my photo. Looking really good!

Clover Mites in action.

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Category: Art, Insects, Landscape, Macro, Massachusetts, Nature, Nikon, Photography, Uncategorized Tagged: #ant, #Beautiful, #beetle, #bug, #clover, #clovermite, #Hans, #HansNagl, #Insect, #Interesting, #life, #macro, #Massachusetts, #mite, #mites, #Nagl, #New, #Nikon, #Peace, #Photography, #Photos, #red, #Silent, #Spider, #Summer

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Beautiful, Silent, Inviting, Deadly

Posted on June 19, 2014

On my last trip to Pennsylvania I visited a place close to Lancaster with large bolders and thick forest. Of course I had my camera with me and soon discovered a fascinating target. Soon I discovered what I was looking for.

Welcome to the world of glittering and ingenious deceptions produced by a pair of orb weaver spiders to lure flies and other tiny creatures into a place of no escape.

On a hike close to an area called Windcave. A great area of a variety of wildlife to be discovered, observed and photographed

On a hike close to an area called Windcave. A great area of a variety of wildlife to be discovered, observed and photographed.

Beautiful, deadly deception. Don’t follow the glitter.

Observing Orb Weaver Spiders in Pennsylvania. Captured! One fly less in Pennsylvania

Observing Orb Weaver Spiders in Pennsylvania.

Observing Orb Weaver Spiders in Pennsylvania. Tangled up in blues with no way to escape

Observing Orb Weaver Spiders in Pennsylvania. Time to wait for the next fly.

Observing Orb Weaver Spiders in Pennsylvania. Always weaving a net with every possible leg.

Observing Orb Weaver Spiders in Pennsylvania. Always weaving.

Beautiful, deadly deception. Don’t follow the glitter!

Everything is of interest…

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Category: Art, flowers, Insects, Landscape, Macro, Massachusetts, Nature, Nikon, Pennsylvania, Photography, Uncategorized, United States Tagged: #Beautiful, #Capture, #death, #deception, #Fly, #glitter, #Hans, #HansNagl, #Insect, #Interesting, #Nagl, #New, #Nikon, #Orb #Weaver, #Orbweaver, #Peace, #Pennsylvania, #Photography, #Photos, #Silent, #Spider, #Spiderweb, #Summer

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Cambridge River Festival — Running into Japan

Posted on June 13, 2014

On Saturday, June 7, 2014 the Cambridge River Festival was held. It was a hot day with many people streaming past booths representing cultural aspects of Japan. Crafts, vintage kimonos, charitable activities and more were represented there. Many of these Japanese organizations are related to JREX, the Japanese Resource Exchange.

Tewassa (related story), (Tewassa Website), an organization raising money towards aiding earthquake and tsunami victims in Tohoku sold almost all of their goods consisting of kimono and other craft items.

Without too many words please take a look at these photos to find out about this great day in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

A lot of interest in items related to Japan – HansNagl.com,

Cheerful Tewassa members – HansNagl.com,

A lot of interest in items related to Japan – HansNagl.com,

At the place close to the fire house interest was great in Japanese food such as noodles or shaved ice – A lot of interest in items related to Japan – HansNagl.com,

A lot of interest in items related to Japan, At the place close to the fire house interest was great in Japanese food such as noodles or shaved ice – HansNagl.com,

A lot of interest in items related to Japan – HansNagl.com,

Taking a break in front of the Tewassa stand selling almost all kimono. A lot of interest in items related to Japan – HansNagl.com,

An almost sold out Tewassa stand. A lot of interest in items related to Japan – HansNagl.com,

Japanese businesses related to food also found an amazingly strong interest.

At the place close to the fire house interest was great in Japanese food such as noodles or shaved ice -HansNagl.com,

At the place close to the fire house interest was great in Japanese food such as noodles or shaved ice – HansNagl.com,

At the place close to the fire house interest was great in Japanese food such as noodles or shaved ice -HansNagl.com,

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Category: Art, Cambridge, Festival, Food, Japan, JREX, Massachusetts, Nikon, Photography, Tewassa, Tohoku, Uncategorized Tagged: #Beautiful, #Boston, #Cambridge, #Culture, #Earthquake, #Festival, #Food, #Hans, #HansNagl, #Happy, #Interesting, #Japan, #Japanese, #JREX, #Kimono, #Massachusetts, #Nagl, #New, #Nikon, #Party, #Peace, #Photography, #Photos, #Riverfestival, #Tewassa, #Tsunami

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My most favorite time of the day

Posted on June 12, 2014

Franklin, located in Massachusetts, is a place close to many lakes, forests and incredible wildlife. This allows me to occasionally take my camera and go for a walk in search of something great, unexpected and photogenic. On one of my most recent strolls through the neighboring forests late one afternoon in May I became aware that I was leaving the world of regulated and coordinated life to join a different rhythm.

There are many lakes around Franklin, MA

Wildlife emerges as the day comes to an end

Swamps look like mirrors reflecting the fading light

Forests and lakes become darker as wildlife wakes up

Dragonflies still dance in the sun

Flowers along the trails are beautiful

This Ladies Slipper and endangered and protected flower made it through the day without being picked.

Somebody must have lost this fishing bobber

An occasional rain adds to the beauty of nightfall.

When the day slowly comes to an end and gives way to night colors change by the minute, animals and insects, some invisible during the entire day, show up to grab a bite and disappear again into the foggy twilight of the lake. Every minute something else grabs my attention.

Silence, splashing, silence, frogs, peaceful night

Just a couple of minutes. Complete peace and balance

Franklin T commuter line cutting through the forest reflecting the setting sun in its windows

Franklin T line on its way to Boston

A turtle, fairly large, swims passed my location.

This water snake quickly attempts to escape my photography efforts

Dragonflies are everywhere

Watching dragonflies dance is a great experience

Dragonflies move very quickly never standing (flying) still for a long time

$Another dragonfly decides to pose for this portrait shot, at least for a tiny fraction of a second.$

Another dragonfly decides to pose for this portrait shot, at least for a tiny fraction of a second.

The beauty of listening to all the animals now even more invisible is a memorable experience

Daylight says good night

The world around the lakes becomes even more beautiful

Everything is still full of life

The glass like surface of the lake is broken frequently by creatures at home there

What is moving there? Is it really moving? At the same time clinging to my camera mounted on a tripod thoughts arise. Right lens? ISO settings OK? Shutter speed long or short? I really hope to become better in adjusting camera settings quickly to capture something which might be gone seconds later.

Just a couple of minutes. Complete peace and balance

Is there anything moving?

Fish jumping barely visible in the twilight

A beaver swims from one side to the other

On my way home, when the world turned dark, at the sounds of bullfrogs and occasionally something plunging into the lake escaping my steps, I feel completely overwhelmed by this performance. The beaver who swam close to me to check out why I was sitting there, fish jumping, water snakes swimming through the black pollen covered lake, turtles sticking their heads out of the water, small, and, of sizes I never experienced before. Not one minute passes without something interesting happening, something unpredictable, fast and amazing.

Day leaves in pink and blue.

Night blankets nature in safety

Night appears, while I still watch the show, forgetting time

Just a couple more minutes…

Sitting and watching I usually forget that it grew dark. There is still something left to be seen, something to be extracted out of the last remnant of daylight and preserved inside my camera. One more minute and then I will go home for sure. One more minute,,, One more minute is never enough.

What a show…

Need to watch again

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Category: Art, flowers, Insects, Landscape, Massachusetts, Nature, Nikon, Photography, Trains, United States Tagged: #Beautiful, #Beaver, #Blossom, #fish, #Franklin, #Hans, #HansNagl, #harmony, #Interesting, #Lake, #life, #Love, #Massachusetts, #Nagl, #New, #Night, #Nikon, #Peace, #Photography, #Photos, #Silent, #Summer, #Turtle, #twilight, #Wildlife

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Bumblebee Pilot Training

Posted on May 28, 2014

Memorial Day offered a chance to visit the beautiful Heritage Museum and Gardens located in Sandwich, Massachusetts. This Cape Cod place, besides some very interesting indoor museums, features many colorful flowers attracting not only insects such as bumblebees but also a wide variety of photographers such as me.

Many flowers can be found at the Heritage Museum in Sandwich, Cape Cod – HansNagl.com

Sticking my nose and camera deep into all kinds of bushes I was able to take some colorful photographs.

Please click on a photo to view in carousel format.

Many flowers can be found at the Heritage Museum in Sandwich, Cape Cod – HansNagl.com

In the middle of all the exciting photographing I was even able to join a bumblebee on her trip. Later, looking at the photos I sometimes thought to really fly behind Miss Bumblebee learning something new about plants, pollens and proper flower landing procedures. Here are some bumblebee photos.

Flying behind a Bumblebee just receiving clearance for landing approach. Hans Nagl.com

This one looks very suitable for a lesson about pollens and plants, – HansNagl.com

OK, I see, this is how it gets done. Next time I’ll try by myself….maybe

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Category: Art, Cape Cod, flowers, Insects, Landscape, Macro, Nature, United States Tagged: #Beautiful, #Blossom, #Bumblebee, #Cape, #Cape_Cod, #Flowers, #Hans, #HansNagl, #Heritagemuseum, #Insect, #Interesting, #Massachusetts, #Nagl, #New, #Nikon, #Peace, #Photography, #Photos, #Plant, #Pollen, #Sandwich, #Silent, #Summer

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Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival in Brookline, Massachusetts

Posted on May 19, 2014

Not too long ago I had the chance to visit a Japanese style cherry blossom festival in Brookline, near Boston. It was held at the local high school. What really stood out was that the audience, as well as the performers were all participating. It was a dancing, drumming, very happy matsuri community. I also would like to point out that Tewassa, an organization raising money towards helping Japanese Tohoku earthquake and tsunami victims was also represented. Please visit Tewassa’s web site here and an earlier post about their activities here. Every Saturday this very engaged group meets in Cambridge for about 2 hours to show their dedication to this noble cause by producing a quilt.

Please enjoy a few photos from this event.

Brookline Sakura Matsuri 2014 – Dancing, Drumming, Happy Matsuri Community, HansNagl.com

Brookline Skaura Matsuri 2014 – Dancing, Drumming, Happy Matsuri Community, HansNagl.com

Brookline Sakura Matsuri 2014 – Dancing, Drumming, Happy Matsuri Community, HansNagl.com

Quilt produced on an ongoing basis by Tewassa

Brookline Sakura Matsuri 2014 – Quilt produced by Tewassa volunteers meeting every Saturday in Cambridge for two hours – HansNagl.com

Brookline Sakura Matsuri 2014- Cheerful Tewassa volunteers raising funds for Japanese Tohoku earthquake and tsunami victims.

Brookline Sakura Matsuri 2014 – Tewassa volunteers raising funds for Japanese Tohoku earthquake and Tsunami victims.

Brookline Sakura Matsuri 2014 – Tewassa volunteers raising funds for Japanese Tohoku earthquake and tsunami victims.

Brookline Sakura Matsuri 2014- A lot of interest in the flee market style sale at Tewassa’s stand. Volunteers raising funds for Japanese Tohoku earthquake and tsunami victims.

The very cheerful Tewassa Team

Brookline Sakura Matsuri 2014 – Cheerful Tewassa volunteers raising funds for Japanese Tohoku earthquake and tsunami victims.

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Category: Art, Japan, Japanese Art, Massachusetts, Tewassa, Tohoku, Uncategorized, United States Tagged: #Beautiful, #Blossom, #Boston, #Brookline, #Cherry, #Dance, #Drum, #Earthquake, #Festival, #Hans, #HansNagl, #Interesting, #Japan, #Japanese, #Kimono, #Massachusetts, #Matsuri, #Nikon, #Photography, #Photos, #sakuramatsuri, #Taiko, #Tewassa, #Tsunami

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Watching a Dragon Come to Life

Posted on May 2, 2014

Imagine a theater stage where, at the beginning, all you see is large sheet of paper spanning from one side to the other with only a few cherry blossom pedals painted here and there. Then and artist, dressed in a beautiful kimono performs a magic show just with a few brush strokes. I never saw a modern Japanese calligraphy show except on TV and knew that I would be in for something new and powerful. Surely enough I was not disappointed. Syoka Kana drew everybody into her world of dragons, cherry blossoms and calligraphy. It is a silent art which became alive under Kana’s brush. It seemed like her characters started to sing and dance.

This shodo demonstration was organized by the Boston Japan Resource Exchange (JREX) and took place at International Community Church (ICC) in Boston.

I just heard that the final artwork will be on permanent display at the International Community Church in Boston (Please click on the link below for more information).

Syoka Kana’s Blog (In Japanese)

International Community Church (ICC) in Boston

Syoka Kana – Shodo Performance – Boston – April 2014 – Allowing photos to tell the story

Syoka Kana - Shodo Performance - Boston - April 2014 - Hans Nagl / JREX

Syoka Kana – Shodo Performance – Boston – April 2014 – Allowing photos to tell the story

Everybody should have such a dragon…

Syoka Kana – Shodo Performance – Boston – April 2014 – Allowing photos to tell the story

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Category: Art, Japan, Japanese Art, JREX, Massachusetts Tagged: #Beautiful, #Boston, #Calligraphy, #Hans, #HansNagl, #Interesting, #Japan, #Japanese, #JREX, #Massachusetts, #Nagl, #New, #Nikon, #Peace, #Performance, #Photography, #Photos, #Shodo, #Silent, #書道, #書家かな, ＃日本

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Philadelphia’s Sakura Sunday – Hello Spring !!!

Posted on April 20, 2014

Philadelphia’s Cherry Blossom Festival, better known as Sakura Sunday, was recently held at Fairmount Park on April 13, 2014. It was organized by the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia (JASGP). Beautiful spring weather and an outstanding program featuring a variety of artists from Japan and the United States contributed to the success of this event.

Without too many words the following photos will hopefully communicate the spirit of Sakura Sunday. Below are four gallery sections featuring Doshinkan Aikido, Tamagawa University Taiko Drum and Dance, La Siana, and, finally a couple of random photos from around the venue.

Doshinkan Aikido (AANA)

Members of the Aikido Association of North America (AANA), founded by Yukio Utada Sensei, delivered a beautiful and breathtaking demonstration. All age groups were represented. Many of the students make a lifetime commitment to the practice and refinement of this art involving a very dynamic life philosophy. Sometimes they live far away from the training hall or dojo, and, for the most part, training then takes on a different dimension keeping the positive spirit and energy alive. For me, who lives far from the main dojo located in Philadelphia it is always great to know that Utada Sensei and these dedicated students keep the dojo lights on for anybody far away or close by. For more information please visit the website of the AANA.

(Please click on an image to view in carousel format)

The short life of a cherry blossom, 1/200 of a second shutter speed, instant and flawless execution, beautiful and sophisticated. Doshinkan Aikido Demonstration

Preparation time – Everybody is involved either on or off the matt – Doshinkan Aikido Demonstration

Women selfdefense – an applied aspect – Doshinkan Aikido Demonstration

Doshinkan Aikido Demonstration

Jo (Staff) is an integral part of Doshinkan Aikido practice – Doshinkan Aikido Demonstration

Tanto (Knife) exercise – Doshinkan Aikido Demonstration

Rob McKeown Sensei (Children’sprogram) and Utada Kancho – Life dedicated to Aikido – Doshinkan Aikido Demonstration

Ben Cliver Sensei (Temple University) – Doshinkan Aikido Demonstration

Doshinkan Aikido Demonstration

Doshinkan Children’s Aikido Demonstration

Complete focus and dedication – Doshinkan Children’s Aikido Demonstration

Doshinkan Aikido Demonstration

Learning how to fall, on or off the matt – Doshinkan Aikido Demonstration

Next are some images of the Tamagawa University Taiko Drum and Dance Performance

A powerful and spirited way of communicating Japanese traditional arts of Taiko drums and dance. Watching the students of Tamagawa University perform was a very energizing experience. Harmonizing, happy, smiling performers drew the audience very close into their rhythm. Even now, after the festival, looking at the photos I can hear the Taiko drums and feel the spirit of their show.

(Please click on an image to view in carousel format)

Tamaga University Taiko Drum and Dance

Here are some photos of La Siana

These five ladies showed a very vibrant, high energy program without speed limit. Moving, dancing and singing while staying synchronized almost without effort was worth seeing. It was hard to get close to the stage because of the attention La Siana received from the Philadelphia audience.

(Please click on an image to view in carousel format)

La Siana

Finally here are some random images from beautiful Sakura Sunday

I took these images without thinking too much about composition or other aspects of photography. They happened in a very spontaneous way. The entire event was a microcosm of small experiences happening not only on stage but also among the audience. It seemed as if the entire Sakura Sunday was a performance where everybody played a role. Via the camera I was able to freeze situations showing the beautiful spontaneity of moments involving wonderful people.

(Please click on an image to view in carousel format)

Everybody was a performer – Sakura Sunday Impressions

Sakura Sunday Impressions

Thank you to the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia, all the participants, whether on or off stage for making this Philadelphia Sakura Sunday such a beautiful memorable event.

City Hall in Philadelphia

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Category: Aikido, Japanese Art, Martial Art, Pennsylvania, Uncategorized, United States Tagged: #AANA, #Aikido, #Aikidodemonstration, #Art, #Beautiful, #Blossom, #Cherry, #Cosplay, #Dance, #Demonstration, #Doshinkan, #Fashion, #Hans, #HansNagl, #Happy, #Interesting, #Japan, #Japanese, #JASGP, #Kimono, #LaSiana, #Love, #Martial, #MartialArt, #Nagl, #New, #Nikon, #Peace, #Philadelphia, #Photography, #Photos, #SakuraSunday, #Smile, #Spring, #Subaru, #Sun, #Taiko, #Tamagawa, #Utada, #Warm

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Spring Photo Gallery

Posted on April 2, 2014

This is an ongoing collection of various photos taken mostly around Massachusetts throughout spring 2014. I will add more as soon as I get more chances to enjoy spring with my camera. There are just a few photos shown here as spring is just about to begin. More will be added continuously. Thank you very much for visiting.

Click on an image to view gallery

Provincetown – Cape Cod – Race Point beach – Winter agruing with Spring – HansNagl.com

Provincetown – Cape Cod – Race Point beach – HansNagl.com

Provincetown – Cape Cod – Race Point LeightHansNagl.com

Provincetown – Cape Cod – Race Point beach – Winter agruing with Spring – HansNagl.com

Provincetown – Cape Cod – View from Pilgrim Heights HansNagl.com

Provincetown – Cape Cod – Race Point beach – HansNagl.com

Shadows on Ice – Franklin, MA

Looking closer, spring is around the corner – Franklin, MA

The first warm sunset at a lake in Franklin, MA

Almost invisible, however, ready to explode

What was once tough snow is now reflecting the colors of spring

Between Winter and Spring – Franklin, MA

Capture a string of sun shine

Swans are back – Franklin, MA

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Category: Landscape, Massachusetts, Nature, United States Tagged: #Beautiful, #Boston, #Franklin, #Hans, #HansNagl, #Ice #melting #Warm #happy, #Interesting, #Massachusetts, #New, #Nikon, #Peace, #Photography, #Photos, #Silent, #Spring #Blossom #Sun #Follow #Life

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Around the Cape – Inspirations and Photos

Posted on March 27, 2014

Please click on an image to view photos in slideshow format.

Highland Light near Truro (Winter) – Cape Cod

Highland Light near Truro (Winter) – Cape Cod, Catching the last rays of light. Provincetown is visible in the background on the right.

Highland Light near Truro (Summer) – Cape Cod

Head of the Meadow Beach (Summer) – Truro – Cape Cod

Head of the Meadow Beach (Summer)- Truro – Cape Cod – An enjoyable evening watching the sunset.

Head of the Meadow Beach (Winter) – Truro – Cape Cod

Head of the Meadow Beach (Winter), Truro – Cape Cod –

Head of the Meadow Beach (Summer) – Truro – Cape Cod

Head of the Meadow Beach (Winter), Truro – Cape Cod – Dunes – a geological snapshot

For many children growing up in Austria, surrounded by mountains, a future life close to the sea is mostly a far-fetched exotic idea. The thunder of waves, the changing colors of the oceans, the sounds of fishing boats’ diesel engines, seagulls sailing high in blue skies, the taste of saltwater, witnessing four seasons are impressions belonging to the world of dreamers or people far away already living there. During my Austrian childhood I was very interested in movies produced by Jacques Cousteau, the famous French diver, and the adventures of the Calypso submarine, as well as Vienna born Hans Hass, who courageously researched shark behavior. These stories about the sea introduced a foreign world to me, mysterious, yet touchable, possible to reach, somewhere, sometimes in the future.

: Nantucket (Summer) – Massachusetts

: Nantucket (Summer) – Massachusetts – leaving Nantucket

: Nantucket (Summer) – Massachusetts

: Nantucket (Summer) – Massachusetts

I now live very close to the sea near Cape Cod and with great interest enjoy all the curiosities mother nature has to offer probably inspired by my childhood experiences. Photos are my pocket moments of great impressions. Here are a couple which I found in my archives. Sometimes I took almost identical photos at different times during the year. I tried to place those side-by-side sometimes creating a very strong contrast between, for example, situations in the summer vs. in winter.

I will attempt to add more photos in the future including other places and seasons around the Cape. (If you would like to have a copy of a photo shown here, then please send me an email via the form at the end of this photo gallery. Thank you very much. )

The impossible missions are the only ones which succeed.
– Jacques Cousteau

Provincetown (Winter), Cape Cod – Very silent place

Provincetown (Fall), Cape Cod

Provincetown (Fall), Cape Cod – A very busy place

Provincetown (Winter), Cape Cod – Sometimes it is tough to remove snow.

Provincetown (Fall), Cape Cod – Gallery Cat looking at the latest art

Provincetown, Cape Cod (Winter) – waiting for the spring

Provincetown (Winter), Cape Cod (Winter) – Sleeping, busy streets

Provincetown (Fall), Cape Cod – Pilgrim Monument – Biking in the Dunes the colors are stunning.

Provincetown (Winter), Cape Cod – Pilgrim Monument

National Seashore (Fall), Cape Cod – Beautiful clear, warm days.

Provincetown (Summer), Cape Cod – Sunset colors seem to be the softest at this place

Provincetown (Fall), Cape Cod – The Wood End Lighthouse is a symbol of perseverance through the seasons without fail sending its beacon into the night.

Provincetown (Winter), Cape Cod – Wood End Lighthouse

Provincetown (Winter), Cape Cod – Seagulls playing in the wind.

Provincetown (Winter), Cape Cod – Wood End Lighthouse

Provincetown (Winter), Cape Cod – Freezing cold winds allowing only for a few photos

Provincetown (Summer), Cape Cod – Wood End Lighthouse

Provincetown (Winter), Cape Cod – Wood End Lighthouse

Provincetown (Summer), Cape Cod – Wood End Lighthouse

Provincetown (Summer), Cape Cod

Provincetown (Winter), Cape Cod – between dunes and frozen salt water marshes – Wood End Lighthouse

Provincetown (Winter), Cape Cod – Wood End Lighthouse

Provincetown (Fall), Cape Cod – Wood End Lighthouse

Provincetown (Fall), Cape Cod – Near wood End Lighthouse.

Provincetown (Fall), Cape Cod – Wood End Lighthouse

Provincetown (Winter), Cape Cod – Wood End Lighthouse

Provincetown (Winter), Cape Cod – Cross Country Skiing after a blizzard along the sea was an amazing, unforgettable experience. The ground was solid frozen with snow allowing for tracks not damaging this fragile nature.

Provincetown (Winter), Cape Cod

Provincetown (Winter), Cape Cod – Cross Country Tracks towards Wood End Lighthouse

Provincetown (Winter), Cape Cod – Saltwater marshes

Provincetown (Winter), Cape Cod – Herring Cove’s Parking Lot

Chatham, Cape Cod – with Chatham Light

Chatham (Winter), Cape Cod

Chatham (Winter), Cape Cod- Stage Harbor Lighthouse

Sandwich (Summer), Cape Cod

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Category: Cape Cod, Landscape, Nature, Ocean, United States Tagged: #Beach, #Beautiful, #Calypso, #Cape, #Cape_Cod, #Chatham, #Coast, #Cod, #Cold, #Cousteau, #Dream, #Dunes, #End, #Fall, #Hans, #HansNagl, #Head_of_the_meadow_beach, #Highland, #Interesting, #Lighthouse, #Massachusetts, #Nagl, #Nantucket, #National, #National_Seashore, #New, #Nikon, #Peace, #Photography, #Photos, #Provincetown, #Sandwich, #Silent, #Snow, #Stage_Harbor, #Summer, #Sunset, #Truro, #Vienna, #Warm, #Winter, #Wood, #Wood_End

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A walk at the beach

Posted on March 16, 2014

Most of the time I lived not very close to the sea. From the Philadelphia area it was of course easy to plan a quick 2 hour ride to the Jersey shore mostly in the summer. Now, that I live relatively close to Cape Cod it is easy to pick up my camera and head out to the shore whenever the possibility exists. Sometimes it is already later in the day. The type of weather does not really matter either taking advantage of another opportunity to experience mother nature and learn a new practical aspect about the camera and how to handle it under various conditions.

Head of the Meadow BeachTruro – Cape Cod – – An interesting Winter afternoon at the beach.

Head of the Meadow Beach – Truro – Cape Cod – -It was a very interesting day at the beach

Cape Cod Light – Truro – Cape Cod, Catching the last rays of light to take a few photos

These photos are the result of a visit to Head of the Meadows Beach in Truro, Cape Cod, a couple of days ago. In brief, 19F (-7C), strong winds, flying sand, occasional snow, rough seas, later in the afternoon, fading daylight. Taking a glove off for a few minutes to adjust camera controls was almost impossible.

Beach photos: 80mm, ISO 200, 1/20s, f/14. I wanted to bring out some of the details capturing the flying sand still providing some contrast above snow patches while not washing out the surface.

Light House: I took the photo of Cape Cod Light right after sunset. Trying to get a few photos in before returning home I rushed to the light house from the nearby parking lot. The small red stripe on the horizon left by the setting sun complemented by the lights of Provincetown was a peasant surprise when I turned around to position the camera. It was already mounted on a tripod and just needed to be pointed into the desired direction cutting down on adjustment time without gloves. Despite the freezing wind operating in almost complete darkness, a couple of somewhat decent photos resulted. 31mm, ISO 200, 1.3s, f/5. The high winds were not particularly helpful in keeping the camera still even on my very stable tripod.

Why this effort? Taking photos at very cold conditions yields sharp and clear images especially when shooting across long distances. Winter also offers opportunities to observe a different type of nature which can be challenging, however, very enjoyable. It feels very rewarding having the opportunity to develop a photo surrounded by a rough, greenish-grey sea with roaring waves, winds and snow-covered dunes on the other. I guess in three to four months this place will be home of sun bathers and vacationers. Most of them completely unaware of the annual shore rejuvenating winter drama erasing traces of a previous year.

Your thoughts and comments would be very appreciated. Thank you very much.

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Category: Landscape, Nature Tagged: #Beautiful, #Camera, #Cape, #Cape_Cod, #Cod, #Cold, #Dunes, #Freezing, #Hans, #HansNagl, #Interesting, #Landscape, #Massachusetts, #National, #National_Seashore, #Nature, #New, #Nikon, #Ocean, #Photography, #Photos, #Provincetown, #Sea, #Seashore, #Truro, #Winter

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Restoring a 1961 Ford Starliner vintage car

Posted on March 2, 2014

Casually working on a car is one thing. To be dedicated to restoring a heavily used vintage car is another. This will be an ongoing blog about finding a new home for this restored Ford, Starliner built in 1961. Here is the story and photos.

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Introduction:

Over the past years I watched my friend Brian Moss, living near Wilmington, DE, bring back the live and beauty of a 1961 Ford Starliner. He patiently and ambitiously worked on this car while keeping everything as original as possible. Many hours and even days of dedicated research about engine elements, designs and part availability yielded almost original results. Engine and other elements were recreated by Brian if no original replacement could be found. If he thought that his experience restoring parts would not produce top quality results then he brought in experts for jobs such as painting the dashboard. These photos will speak for themselves. For more information and a continuation of this story please scroll past the photos.

Before:

In need for a face lift, Brian’s expertise and patience.

1969 428 Cobrajet 7 liter engine.

Odometer leaving everybody in the dust

Dashboard before the restauration

Dashboard

Time surely worked on these doors

Rust never sleeps

After:

Exact spacing between rim and body

Restored 1961 Ford Starliner at a recent show

Restored Interior

The Engine

Many hours of work, enthusiasm and passion went into the details of restoring this 1961, Ford Starliner

Restored 1961 Ford Starliner at a recent show

Dashboard Illuminations

Attention to detail can be found even at places not readily visible

Restored Interior

Feels like timewarp. 1961 never ended.

The story continues:

Whenever I visited Brian, who incidentally also was my former boss at a pharmaceutical company, we looked at this car, drove it around and enjoyed reliving the roaring 60s. Cold chrome on shiny black background, Coca Cola colored upholstery, the soft illumination of the dashboard instruments, the AM radio. It always felt like taking it to the drive-in movie theater playing the latest hits of Fats Domino, Chuck Berry, or, Nat King Cole. Brian took it even further and drove the Starliner to various race courses. It performed beautifully and earned a lot of applause from the audience.

The Starliner at the Racetrack:

The photo at the end of the video features Brian standing on the left.

Now, Brian is thinking about parting from his old friend. It is time for somebody else to enjoy the engineering and design genius of people at Ford when I was barely in this World. Brian needs to make room in his garage to restore a similar car. I am sure it will match the beauty and excitement of the 61 Ford Starliner. Please contact Brian directly for questions.

Facts about this 1961 Ford Starliner: 1961 Starliner display

Brian’s Voice and Contact Details: Brian’s voice

Category: Cars, Uncategorized Tagged: #1961, #Available, #Beautiful, #Brian, #BrianMoss, #Car, #Delaware, #Fast, #Ford, #Hans, #HansNagl, #Moss, #Nagl, #Nikon, #Photos, #Race, #Racetrack, #Restored, #Starliner, #Video, #Vintage, #Z-code

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